ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. Historical deduction of seats, from the stool to the Sofa.-A School-boy's ramble.-A walk in the country.-The scene described.-Rural sounds as well as sights delightful. Another walk.Mistake concerning the charms of solitude corrected.-Colonnades commended.-Alcove, and the view from it.—The wilderness.-The grove. The thresher.-The necessity and the benefits of exercise. The works of nature superior to, and in some instances inimitable by, art.-The wearisomeness of what is commonly called a life of pleasure.-Change of scene sometimes expedient. -A common described, and the character of crazy Kate introduced.-Gipsies.-The blessings of civilized life.-That state most favourable to virtue.-The South Sea islanders compassionated, but chiefly Omai.-His present state of mind supposed.-Civilized life friendly to virtue, but not great cities.-Great cities, and London in particular, allowed their due praise, but censured. -Fete champêtre.-The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures. THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. I SING the Sofa. I who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity*, and touch'd with awe Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, Save their own painted skins, our sires had none. As yet black breeches were not; satin smooth, Or velvet soft, or plush with shaggy piles. And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms: And drill'd in holes, the solid oak is found, At length a generation more refin'd Improv❜d the simple plan; made three legs four, And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuff'd, |